Top award for ‘community hero’ teacher

Laura McGuirk, who works at Blackpool Sixth Form College, was hailed as a ‘community hero’ at Radio Wave’s ‘Heroes in the Community’ awards, which took place at Viva Blackpool on Church Street in Blackpool town centre on November 19.

The annual award ceremony, which is supported by BAE Systems and Blackpool and The Fylde College, celebrates the achievements of people who have committed acts of extreme bravery or kindness for the benefit of their neighbours and community.

Miss McGuirk, who has worked at the college for more than three years, won the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award for her hard work and dedication after she gave up her lunch hours to provide one-on-one tuition to a student who had fallen behind in class because of a death in her family.

Miss McGuirk and winners from other categories were presented with congratulatory plaques and were treated to a night of entertainment from former Westlife star Brian McFadden and the cast of the musical Chicago.

Miss McGuirk said: “I am so shocked to have won this award.

“I am just doing my job and doing what any other teacher would do if they saw a student in need.”